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Raspberry Pi Zero W as Smart TV Box: Android TV, USB Power, and 1080p Support Questions

Zwiado123 12624 11
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  • #1 18631273
    Zwiado123
    Level 4  
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    Hello. I have a TV without a smart tv. I would like to make a Smart TV Box at a fairly low cost. The choice fell on the Raspberry Pi Zero W. Therefore, I have a few questions.

    1. Is it possible to install Android TV on Raspberry Pi Zero W or only Kodi and similar?

    2. Can it be done with the TV (TV has USB but I don't know if it has enough power)?

    3. Will this model support 1080p resolution?
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    #2 18631678
    n6210
    Level 29  
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    Pi Zero and Android do not go hand in hand, and do not expect miracles after kodi - it should be as OK as you set the interface resolution to max. 1280x720p
    If the TV gives power to USB all the time or from being turned on, yes, but remember that Kodi takes a while to start up. Standard USB has the most power to power the Pi Zero
    There is a difference between handling and comfortably using - this resolution (and even greater) is available and supported by RPi Zero, but I recommend a certain amount of patience in such a system :)
    You'd better go out investing in a newer Pi3 model - it's not that expensive and much more efficient :)
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  • #3 18631747
    Zwiado123
    Level 4  
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    And if I were to buy a "standard" Raspberry Pi, wouldn't it be better a 4B model? Besides, I found the 3 A + model which is reasonably priced. What do you think about him? I do not have Ethernet at home, only Wi-Fi.
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  • #4 18631819
    n6210
    Level 29  
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    Unfortunately, I only have RPi 3B + (works with Kodi) and from the previous 2B (works as DNS with Pi-Hole) you would have to look for the differences between A and B but the three of them are already pretty cool. I also do not know what the Kodi status on 4B looks like because there were some problems. I'm getting ready to buy a private 4B, but as long as everything jumps on Pi Zero, it somehow comes together :) At work, I have Rasbian on 4B and with 4GB of frame it is almost like PCet :) (so older but still great)
    Read on the net how work on 4B may have already dealt with the problems.
    Unfortunately, for these devices you already need a good power supply and forget about 4B power supply from ordinary USB in the TV :)
    Also remember that Pi4b has other HDMI micro HDMI connectors, and the 3B has a regular full-size (pI Zero has a miniHDMI)
  • #5 18631832
    starob
    Level 29  
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    Zwiado123 wrote:
    And if I were to buy a "standard" Raspberry Pi, wouldn't it be better a 4B model?

    You can buy a Mi Box TV for this money, and it certainly works.
  • #6 18631905
    n6210
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    Well, the Mi Box is also cool and additionally has a remote control, but there is one minus, depending on the manufacturer :)
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  • #7 18632416
    Zwiado123
    Level 4  
    Posts: 8
    Rate: 4
    I will still think over the Mi Box, but the Raspberry Pi 3 B or 3 B + need higher power supply that USB offers on the TV? And is the 3 B + model a fairly stable and well supported Raspberry?
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    #8 18632831
    n6210
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    Zwiado123 wrote:
    Raspberry Pi 3 B or 3 B + need higher power supply that USB offers on the TV?
    Yes, for 3B it is worth having a good power supply with 2A performance, standard USB is 0.5A. With full CPU load (without active HDMI), it can consume up to ~ 1A, when you add WiFi and HDMI communication, etc., it will probably reach 1.5A at peak.
    Zwiado123 wrote:
    And is the 3 B + model a fairly stable and well supported Raspberry?
    Yes, it is a well-supported model, as well as most RPi :) Only new models have weaker support at the beginning, but the community is so large that the differences are eliminated quite quickly. Anyway, Raspberry is one of the best supported projects in this segment.
  • #9 18633810
    Zwiado123
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    Rate: 4
    Can the Raspberry Pi 3 B + be connected so that it starts up with the TV? Any device that would detect the voltage on the USB and give the voltage on the Raspberry?
  • #10 18633905
    n6210
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    I am not a fan of shutting down systems such as linux sharply (then sometimes file system errors are made) but the easiest way is a 5V relay controlled from USB or some MOSFET - read on the network, you will assemble yourself without a problem
  • #11 18635093
    starob
    Level 29  
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    n6210 wrote:
    I am not a fan of shutting down systems such as linux sharply (then sometimes file system errors are made) but the easiest way is a 5V relay controlled from USB or some MOSFET - read on the network, you will assemble yourself without a problem


    The matter is important. Because of which you wrote, such a system works for a short time.
    In order for such a system to work properly, it must first initiate shutdown and then, after a safe shutdown, turn off the power. You can define the Power and Shutdown pins controlled by the system, but the power control system gets complicated. Ready-made similar systems can be bought to control 3D printers and adapted.
    There is also something like HDMI - CEC, which is supported by RPi, but I do not know if it is in this direction (you should read).
    Better to leave it upstream all the time.
    I personally would not like to put such a monster somewhere near the TV.
  • #12 18635168
    n6210
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    starob wrote:
    Better to leave it upstream all the time.
    I personally would not like to put such a monster somewhere near the TV.

    I have Rpi turned on all the time, because when idle it doesn't cut a lot of electricity, and its "monstrosity" ( :) ) can be hidden in one of a thousand cases.
    Regarding these reboots, I used to use something called openElec and this Kodi distro had a RO filesystem and was much better at restarts,
    however, now it probably is not being developed - I can see libreElec but I don't know if there is the same approach.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around using the Raspberry Pi Zero W as a low-cost Smart TV Box. Key questions include the feasibility of installing Android TV versus Kodi, power requirements from the TV's USB port, and support for 1080p resolution. Responses indicate that while Android TV is not ideal for the Pi Zero W, Kodi can be used with a maximum resolution of 720p. The Pi Zero W may require a stable power source, and users are advised to consider more powerful models like the Raspberry Pi 3B or 4B for better performance and 1080p support. The Raspberry Pi 3B+ is noted for its stability and support, but it requires a higher power supply than standard USB ports provide. Alternatives like the Mi Box TV are suggested for those seeking a ready-made solution.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Set Kodi’s UI to 1280x720p for smoother use; “Pi Zero and Android do not go hand in hand.” Zero W can output 1080p but needs patience, and TV USB may power it if consistent. Prefer Pi 3 for comfort. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]

Why it matters: For non‑smart TV owners aiming for a low‑cost smart box, this answers OS, power, resolution, and control questions so you avoid sluggish setups and unsafe power cuts.

Quick Facts

Can I install Android TV on Raspberry Pi Zero W?

Not reliably. “Pi Zero and Android do not go hand in hand.” Use Kodi or similar instead, and lower the UI to 1280x720p for smoother navigation. Expect patience during operation and startup on the Zero W. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]

Can my TV’s USB port power a Raspberry Pi Zero W?

Often yes, if the TV’s USB provides power when on or always. Kodi will take a while to start. Keep the UI at 1280x720p to lighten the load and improve responsiveness. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]

Will Raspberry Pi Zero W handle 1080p output?

It supports 1080p output, but smooth use is another matter. Set the interface to 1280x720p for comfort. “There is a difference between handling and comfortably using.” [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]

Is a Raspberry Pi 3 better than Zero W for a TV box?

Yes. It offers much better performance and a smoother Kodi experience. “You’d better invest in a newer Pi 3 model.” The price bump yields meaningful comfort. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631678]

Is Raspberry Pi 3B+ stable and well supported?

Yes. The 3B+ is well supported, as are most Raspberry Pi models. New models start weaker, then mature quickly due to the community’s size. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18632831]

Can a TV USB port power a Raspberry Pi 3B or 3B+?

No. Use a 5V/2A supply. A TV’s USB port is typically 0.5A. A 3B can draw about 1A on CPU alone and peak near 1.5A with Wi‑Fi and HDMI. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18632831]

What’s the status of Kodi on Raspberry Pi 4B?

Early users reported issues. Check current progress before committing for Kodi. The hardware is capable, but verify software readiness for your needs. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631819]

Can I power a Raspberry Pi 4B from my TV’s USB port?

No. Use a solid, dedicated power supply. “Forget about 4B power supply from ordinary USB in the TV.” This avoids instability and boot issues. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631819]

How can I make the Pi start and shut down with the TV safely?

First trigger a clean shutdown, then cut power. One approach: 1) Detect TV USB 5V and signal the Pi’s Power/Shutdown pins. 2) Wait for a safe shutdown. 3) Cut 5V using a relay or MOSFET; 3D‑printer power boards can be adapted. “Better to leave it upstream all the time.” [Elektroda, starob, post #18635093]

Is it safe to cut power to the Pi without shutting down?

No. Sharp power cuts can cause filesystem errors on Linux systems. Always initiate a controlled shutdown before turning power off. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18633905]

Does Raspberry Pi support HDMI‑CEC for TV control?

Yes, Raspberry Pi supports HDMI‑CEC. It can help integrate control, but directionality may limit use. Many users still leave the Pi powered continuously. [Elektroda, starob, post #18635093]

Should I buy a Mi Box TV instead of a Pi for this use?

If your goal is a plug‑and‑play Android TV, yes. For the cost of a Pi 4B setup, a Mi Box TV “certainly works.” [Elektroda, starob, post #18631832]

Does Mi Box include a remote?

Yes. It comes with a remote control. Note there may be a downside depending on the manufacturer’s specifics. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631905]

What HDMI connector do these models use?

Pi 4B uses micro HDMI. Pi 3B uses full‑size HDMI. Pi Zero uses mini HDMI. Choose the correct cable or adapter before you start. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18631819]

Can I leave the Raspberry Pi on 24/7 behind the TV?

Yes. Many do so because idle power draw is low and stability is good. You can hide it in a compact case for neatness. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18635168]

Which Kodi build should I consider for resiliency?

OpenELEC used a read‑only design and handled restarts better, but it’s likely unmaintained. LibreELEC is the current option to check. [Elektroda, n6210, post #18635168]
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